Reports from South America claim this week that Rangers are closing in on a move to buy LAFC midfielder Jose Cifuentes this summer, with Leeds also said to be interested in the Ecuador international and MLS Champion.
Cifuentes, 23, has starred for LAFC since joining the club in January 2020. He has been with the MLS side for the last three years, and then this campaign, too. In that time, he has played 109 games – having a hand in 32 goals.
MLS reporter Tom Bogert claimed recently that Leeds, Rangers and Espanyol are all interested in landing the star. His contract at LAFC expires at the end of the season, which is December 2023. A pre-contract could be arranged.
But, if clubs wants Cifuentes right now – then they could agree a cut-price fee for him. South American transfer expert Andres Ponce has told Radio Diblu – as per the Record – that Rangers are ‘on the brink’ of signing Cifuentes.
It is unclear how much LAFC are charging for Cifuentes, but Rangers are keen to get some signings done early. It seems they are going to beat Leeds in the race for the Ecuadorian – a player Victor Orta bid £4.2m for in 2022.
Reports claim Rangers closing in on Cifuentes with Leeds interested
Rangers is his best move. The Gers need a bit of depth in the middle of the park and Cifuentes would be first choice, if Michael Beale decides to play him as a box-to-box midfielder – or as an eight or even a playmaker.
At Leeds, it is hard to see how he would start. When all of our best players are fit, Cifuentes does not start. But, relegation would change that. If Leeds go down, then making a move for Cifuentes would be a smart signing.
A player too good for the Championship, but a move that gives him a year to get to grips with English football. However, it looks as if Rangers are going to get him in the coming weeks or months, from MLS giants LAFC.
